Family-Based Green Card for Siblings and Their Families
The F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their brothers and sisters—and their spouse and minor children—for permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. This visa category helps extended families reunite under U.S. immigration law.
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide U.S. citizens and their siblings through the long but rewarding process of the F4 visa with clear, compassionate legal support.
✅ What Is the F4 Visa?
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Part of the Family Fourth Preference category
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For siblings of U.S. citizens who are 21 years or older
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Allows principal applicant to bring their spouse and children under 21
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Results in lawful permanent residence (Green Card)
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Subject to annual visa caps and long wait times
🔍 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the F4 visa:
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The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen age 21 or older
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The beneficiary must be a brother or sister of the U.S. citizen
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The family relationship must be supported by birth certificates or adoption documents
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The U.S. citizen must reside in the U.S. or have proof of U.S. domicile
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The beneficiary’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included
📋 Application Process
1. File Form I-130
The U.S. citizen files a Petition for Alien Relative for their sibling with USCIS.
2. Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
The F4 category is heavily backlogged—wait times often exceed 10–15 years, depending on the country.
3. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once the petition is approved and the priority date is current, NVC begins document and fee collection.
4. Consular Interview
The sibling and eligible family members attend an interview at the U.S. consulate with medical exams and civil documents.
5. U.S. Entry and Green Card Issuance
Upon approval, the family receives immigrant visas and becomes lawful permanent residents upon entry into the U.S.
💡 Benefits of the F4 Visa
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Brings extended families together permanently
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Beneficiary and eligible dependents receive Green Cards
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Full rights to live, work, and study in the U.S.
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Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
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Access to healthcare, education, and employment
⏳ Processing Time Note
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The F4 category has the longest wait time of all family preference visas
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Processing times vary greatly by country (e.g., India, Mexico, Philippines face the longest delays)
🧾 Our Legal Services Include:
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I-130 petition preparation and filing
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Birth and family relationship document strategy
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Priority date tracking and notification
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NVC processing and consular documentation
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Interview preparation and visa issuance follow-up
🌐 Start Reuniting with Your Sibling Today
While the F4 process requires patience, our experienced legal team ensures it’s done right from the beginning.